Madikeri: The Talacauvery and Bhagamandala Temples Punarpratishtapana Samiti has urged the Government to allow it to continue till the renovation of the temples at Bhagamandala and Talacauvery is completed next year, honorary president of the samiti and Madikeri MLA K.G. Bopaiah said here on Saturday.

Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Bopaiah said the State Government had reconstituted the Muzrai committees of several temples. Since the renovations that were going on at Bhagamandala and Talacauvery were expected to be over by next year, there was a need to continue the existing committee. The first phase of the punarpratishtapana (re-consecration) of the Sri Maha Ganapathi and Sri Agastheshwara temples were completed in May. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigama was undertaking renovations at an estimated cost of over Rs. 12 crore.

Mr. Bopaiah said the meeting of the samiti decided to request the Government not to take back the Rs. 1 crore that was given for the renovation work in 2002.

Minister for Horticulture and Muzrai Nagaraja Shetty had been apprised of the need that the funds could be utilised for minor renovations of six other temples in the district falling under the Muzrai Department.

The Minister, who had agreed to the proposal, had asked the samiti to submit detailed plans and estimate, he said. Apart from Talacauvery and Bhagamandala, other temples coming under the purview of Muzrai department in Kodagu are Irpu Sri Rameshwara, Padi Iggutappa, Panchalingeshwara, Harischandra, Omkareshwara and Gaddige. The Department of Tourism would be requested to put up display boards and other publicity material in Bhagamandala and Talacauvery temples areas to convey to people the importance of certain spots, besides the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

The final stage of punarpratishtapana set to take place next year would be a grand affair, involving seers and pontiffs, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Honorary secretary of the samiti G. Rajendra said the "Dhrida Kalasha" puja of the re-consecrated Sri Maha Ganapathi Sri Agastheshwara temples would be held on July 4 and 5.

Working president of the samiti Matanda C. Monnappa and treasurer Suresh Chengappa spoke.

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